Worried about buying a used computer for eBay

[SherriAnn]

Hi there--I am looking at getting a new computer and I would really like to get a used one, however, after reading about sellers getting connected to other accounts (buyers or sellers that were kicked off eBay) I am worried that a "wiped" computer would still connect me in some way to a former user. eBay is my only source of income right now so I have to be protective of my account. Would a wiped computer be safe? Or how about a factory refurbished computer--is that any safer? Thanks so much for any responses and advice.

 

[COLGeek]

If I were to purchase a PC/laptop via eBay, the very first thing I would do when it arrived would be to perform a full, clean install of the OS and any applications I wanted installed. I would not trust the OS installation it shipped with...period.

 

[SherriAnn]

If I were to purchase a PC/laptop via eBay, the very first thing I would do when it arrived would be to perform a full, clean install of the OS and any applications I wanted installed. I would not trust the OS installation it shipped with...period.

Hi there--thanks for your response--if I had the entire OS cleaned would that help protect me from whomever had formerly used the computer? I guess what I am looking for is a way to not be associated at all--with any former users of the computer--is this possible if I buy a used computer--or do I have to buy new?

 

[SherriAnn]

Also....there is a second part to this, I guess. I purchased a computer a few days ago (new) and I hate it, however, I have already opened many of my accounts with this computer--email, eBay store, etc. Is there anything I have to do before I take it back to wipe my information off of it? Thanks again for any help--I am not very knowledgeable about computers.

 

[COLGeek]

For the new one, a factory reset will remove anything you have on the system.

For the used system, a full, clean install will remove anything the previous owner had on the system.

 

[SherriAnn]

For the new one, a factory reset will remove anything you have on the system.

For the used system, a full, clean install will remove anything the previous owner had on the system.

So then--just to be clear

I need to do the factory re-set myself for the computer I am returning? Because if they just put it back on the shelf, all my information will still be on it, right?

And about the used computer I want to buy--
If I get the entire OS cleaned before I use it--I just want to be sure there is no way my account, or a previous user of eBay's account could be linked--at all--not even in the tiniest way. For instance, their IP address will not show up on the computer, right? I know I must sound a little paranoid, but it is of the utmost importance that eBay doesn't recognize the computer as being associated with anyone else. I know my IP address will show up, and that's fine.....

Also...along those same lines, the computer I am using now (the one I am taking back)--will a factory re-start erase the footprint that I left on it (same thing--will it keep me from being associated with another person's account). Because getting rid of all my information and passwords etc. is not really my main concern (although it is a concern) I just really want to be safe here. Thanks so much, Sherri

 

[COLGeek]

The factory reset you perform will restore the new pc to be like when you first unboxed it.

You also need to perform the operating system install on the used pc to ensure nothing is left behind. Doing so removes all previous activity.

Ip addresses don't follow systems when moved. Don't worry about that at all.

 

[Karadjgne]

Factory reset deletes everything then resets windows to the exact OS state it was when first installed. There will be nothing of a personal nature at all, any and all programs, settings etc being returned back to exactly what it was before you even turned it on for the first time. Make sure when you do factory reset, unplug the ethernet/disable wifi before starting or icloud/chrome/etc online stuff will automatically try and update your personal info over the Internet connection.

 

[SherriAnn]

Thank you both for the information--I really appreciate it, and it was very helpful for me.

 

[COLGeek]

Good luck and have a great day!